The town’s Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Sue Little started the festivities from a waltzer at Murphy’s Funfair – one of the headline carnival attractions which is lighting up the Headland’s Town Moor.
The annual event – one of Hartlepool’s most cherished traditions – is a community-run project led by the volunteers of the Hartlepool Carnival Committee.
It is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the borough and beyond, bringing together both residents and visitors for a packed programme of entertainment, competitions and community events.
Speaking at the opening, Councillor Little encouraged everyone to get involved in what promises to be another memorable occasion.
“It’s a great honour to be invited to open the 103rd Hartlepool Carnival. This event has been bringing the community together for generations and remains one of the highlights of our calendar,” she said. “I would encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the attractions and support the many activities that make the carnival so special.”
Carnival events, which have been taking place throughout the year, will end with the final day Grand Parade on Saturday, 8 August.
The funfair will be open daily from 2pm until 10pm, offering thrills and excitement for all ages, while a wide range of community-focused activities will showcase the vibrant spirit and creativity of the Headland.
Highlights of this year’s programme included Zach and Italia, (pictured), being chosen as this year’s Carnival Prince and Princess, while crowds later enjoyed an exciting fireworks spectacular.
Other popular events included the Children’s Sand Sculpture competition, at the Fish Sands on Monday, and the popular Treasure Dig at the same spot on Tuesday while, on Wednesday, there was the Talent Show, at the Headland club.
Finally, this week’s much-anticipated Grand Parade takes place on Saturday, 8 August, starting at 4pm from the Town Square and involving a range of colourful floats, performers and community groups taking to the streets in a celebration of Hartlepool’s community spirit.
The final day will also feature the traditional Nutty Slack Race, when participants race around a 1.1km course carrying a 25kg bag of coal (10kg for women) on their backs. This year, the race will take place from The Victoria Arms to the Borough Hall.
For more information about the carnival and its range of events, follow Hartlepool Carnival on Facebook.
